Filter replacement unit



l Nav i6, 1943. 1` D, wlKs 2,334,664-

FILTER REPLACEMENT UNIT Filed Feb. 25, 194:5 2 sheets-'smet l Nov. 16, 1943. J. D. wlcKs I FILTER REPLACEMENT UNIT 2 Sheets-Sheet 2` File'd Feb. 25,!1943 Patented Nov. 16, 1943 FILTER REPLACEMENT UNIT John D. Wicks, Gastonia, N. C., assigner to Accessories Corporation, Gastonia, N. C., a'corporation of North Carolina Application February 25, 1943, Serial No. 477,114

11 Claims.

My invention relates to filter replacement units and the method of making the same.

(Cl. ZIO-131) The improved filter replacement unit comprised in the present invention is primarily adapted for use in connection with the lubricating systems of internal combustion engines of the automotive type. The 'invention, however, is capable of other uses and the same may, without modification, be employed in connection` with other types of lubricating systems as well as in the filtering of fuel oil and the like.

Specifically, my invention relates to lter replacement units and the method oi making the same embodying the cloth bag or cloth sock type as distinguished from metal can .type filter replacement units. Such bag type filters in general consist essentially of a perforated central tube which is surrounded by a cylindrical mass of preferably fibrous vegetable material. The central perforate tube is sealed at its opposite ends by means of leather or cork washers or gaskets to prevent short circuiting of oil around the filtering media. Alternatively, the oil is aclvmitted into the interior of the casing at the peripheral regions thereof and is induced to flow inwardly and enter the center perforated tube from whence it may be discharged through one or both ends thereof.

The principal object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive self-contained iilterreplacement unit of the type set forth above which is effective in removing solids from lubricating oils and to maintain the oil clear and of good color over a period of time and which may be inserted into and removed from its surrounding outer filter casing easily and quickly, thus facilitating replacement of an exhausted unit by a fresh one.

' Another equally important object of the inven tion is to provide a cloth bag or sock type cartridge replacement element or unit for oil filters which employs a novel mechanical connection between the vcloth sock and the upper and lower portions of the perforate center tube of the cartridge and which will serve the dual purpose of holding the usual cork or leather washer sealing elements permanently in position as an inherent part oi'- the iilter cartridge and at the same time anchor the cloth sock at the opposite ends of the unit to the ends of the central perforate tube.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method of forming a sock type cartridge filter which is conducive toward the above mentioned results as well as towards simplicity and economy of manufacture as well as efliciencyfof operation.

Keeping in mind the'exigencies of the present time and as will 'be seen hereinafter, the present lter cartridge is made from non-critical materials in its entirety. Where heretofore such filter cartridges have included a metallic central perforate tube, in the pr'ese'nt invention this said metallic tube is supplanted by a' tube made. of suitably treated kraft paper and the means for anchoring the ends of the sock to the respective ends ofthe said perforate tube are vwooden cylindrical plugs, thereby dispensing with'any metallic anchoring means.

Other objects andadvantages of the invention, not at this time4 set forth, will become apparent as the nature of the invention is vbetter understood.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, the invention has been illustrated in two embodiments thereof.

In these drawings:

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially centrally through a filter cartridge and casing manufactured in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is fa Vsectional view vtaken substantially along the line 2-2 of Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a .partial vertical sectional view on an Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken sub-A stantially centrally through a lter cartridge showing la further modification of my invention involving a. novel ring-type means for securing the iiltercartridge together as a unit.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken'substantially along the line 1-1 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view in perspective showl ing the manner in which the various parts of the filter unit are assembled.

Fig. 9 is a partial Vverticalcross-sectional view showing a further modification of the plug-like means for securing the ends of the filtering socks to the central tube, and

Fig. l0 is an exploded view showing one of the aforesaid plugs as embodied' inlter cartridge construction shown 'in Fig. 9. t

In all of the above described views, like characters of reference are employed to designate like parts throughout.

Referring now tothe drawingain detail and in particular to Fig. l, wherein one 'embodiment of the invention is shown, the nlter replacement unit or cartridge is designated in its entirety by the numeral III and is shown as being installed within an outer surroundinglterLcasingf-assembly II including the casing proper .IL- The bottom of the casing I2 is generally rounded to provide an oilsump I3 and supports a hollow j. central post'y Il having perforations I5 therein and the ..upper end of which is threaded in'-l teriorly.jfasfat.l3, to receive the threaded end of a cap crew I1 by means of which a domelikejimverfy I is securely held in-position on the Dpernd ofthe casing I2.

, Theusualrc'ealing ring or washer -is shown at Il and Srests upon the upper rim of the casing and isdisposed between the rim and the peripheral rim of the cover I8. 'An inverted ring- -lilte cup-.shapedspacer member surrounds permit withdrawing sediment and solids collected in the .sump I3. l

The filter cartridge'unit is centered about the centralpost Il and is supported at its bottom on the spacer 20. A coiled spring 23 bears against the unit at the top thereof and yieldingly holds the latter in position within the casing.

The filtering unit IU includes a central perforate tubular member 24 having both ends open and made of paper or other fibrous material but which is preferably made from brown kraft paper'rolled under high pressure, without the treatment of criticalchemicals, and Iusing only a simple vegetable-oil to treat the tube which is then baked under suitable temperatures to render the same extremely rigid and long lasting in use in connection with the filter.

Perforations 25 extend radially through the walls of the tube and are spaced circumferentially and axially around and along the same. It is to` be noted', however; that the perforations extend only to a point adjacent each end of the tube indicated at 2B and, therefore, the-respective ends of the tube are imperforate as will be clearly seen in the exploded view, Fig. 4.

The cloth bag or sock material indicated in its entirety at 21 actually comprises two socks of material that' is preferably knitted from short staple cottonor yarn of low number. The inner sock material is indicated at 28 and it will be seen thatthis sock is originally of tubu lar formation substantially oij'the same diameter as the perforate tube 2,4 an'd that it closely surrounds the lattervand'the -length of the sock is such that the ends thereof project beyond the respective ends of .the said-"perforate tube. The

outer sock materialv 29,.which is preferably formed of the same short staple cotton, as the inner sock xriaterial,'it will be seen also surrounds the central'perforate tube and the inner sock andvis spaced from the latter and this outer sock is ofa length greaterthan ythe length of the perforate tube and also vis preferably of a greater length than the inner sock material.

It will be seen that the respective ends 28' and i material 30, such as cotton waste or the like, is

placed in the sock betweencthe inner sock 23 and the outer sock 29. This filtering material 30 is preferably placed within the sock while the latter is mounted in a suitable mold, not n shown, so as to maintain the cylindrical shape of the filtering unit.

" Suitable plugs, denoted in their entirety at 3|,

" -or rings 3Ia to be described hereinafter, are

forcibly inserted into the respective ends of the ,x perforate tube 24 after the tucking in of the ends of the inner and outer socks. These plugs 3i or rings are preferably cylindrical and have a central passageway therein denoted at 32.' The portions 33 of the said plugs or the rings that are forcibly inserted into the ends of the tube are of reduced diameter and such size so that when said portion of the plug or the ring is forced into the tube, the same firmly compresses and fixes the tucked in ends of the socks into place. The ends 33 of the plugs are preferably tapered so as to permit ready insertion in the ends of the central tube.

In Fig. 3 it will be clearly seen that each plug is provided with a shoulder portion 34 which engages the turned-'over portion of the outer sock and forces said turned-over portion and the turned-over portion of the inner sock into rm engagement with the extreme outer end of the tube. The top of each plug is provided with a counter-bore 35 into which is positioned a washer 36. This washer may be of cork, felt f or any other suitable material but is vpreferably made from non-critical scrap leather and it will be noted `that the top thereof is substantially in the same plane as the top of the plug.

Surrounding the top of the wooden plug there is a metal cap or sheath 31. This metal sheath 31 is preferably made from non-critical used oil-can stock or other such used metallic stock. It will be noted that the metallic cap 31 extends over a considerable portion of the scrap leather washer 36 and thereby protects the same and also serves to hold said washer in the counter-bore at the end of the plug. The scrap leather Washer 36 is provided with a central opening 36' and this opening is of such diameter that it will firmly and closely engage the central post I4 and thereby prevent any leakage or short circuiting of oil at this point. AThe metal cap surrounding the outer portion of the plug is turned downwardly and swaged or spun inwardly beneath a shoulder formed on the cap, as shown at 31', thereby firmly securing the cap to the plug.

Prior to tucking in the ends of the socks into the end of the perforate tube, the non-perforated end of said tube, indicated at 24', see Fig. 4, is dipped into or otherwise coated with anyy hard setting glue or other adhesive. The reduced cylindrical portion 33 of the plug is also dipped into or otherwise coated with a similar type of hard setting glue or adhesive. The glue or adhesive on the plug and on the ends of the tube effects a sealing and a firm fixing of the respec tive ends of the socks in permanent engagement with the tube at its ends and, of course, prevents any displacement of the plugs at the end A looped*- handle or grip B is provided at the upper end ofthe filter replacement unit and the ends of this looped handle are inserted within the `tube. and held in such position by the top plug.

perforatecenter tube 24, serves to prevent lint or other foreign matter from the filtering material or Yfrom other sources from entering the perforations 25 in the center tube 24. The material from which the socks are made is, of course,y exibleand stretchable and possesses a certain amount of resiliency.

In the embodiment of my invention as shown in, Fig.H 5, the same principles are embodied thereinas described in connection with Figs. 1-4, inclusive. In,` this modification, however, it will une seen that the vuse of the metal cap 31 is dispensed withand that the scrap leather orcork washer`V 36 extends slightly above the plane of the top of the plug. In the type of filter shown in Fig.,v 5,"the oil to be filtered enters at the top and iiows through a central post and out through perforations therein and then through the perforations in the center tube 24 and then through the filtering material -30 ,and finally out through the outer sock 2 9. In this modification in Fig. 5 the.` coiled spring 23A exerts a downward pressure on the hollow cap 38 and firmly seats the flange 38' thereof directly against the top of the raised portion. of the sealing washer 36. In other respects the `modification of the invention in Fig. is identical lwith the main embodiment of this invention as l described hereinbefore.

In boththemain embodiment of the invention `andthe modification in Fig. 5, I may adhesively secure the washers 36 in the counter-bores of the plugs.

lvIn the manufacture of the-filter cartridge replacement unit, the sock material, after being cut into rproper lengths, is then attached to one end of the perforate tube 24 by tucking the ends o fV thefinner. and outer socks into the tube and inserting one `of the wooden plugs 3| therein after a suitable glue or other adhesive has been' applied to the portion 33 of the plug and to the non-perforated end 24 of the tube. The filtering media 30, while the unit is preferably in the mold, not shown, is then inserted between the inner and outer socks as shown clearly in the drawings and then the other ends of the two socks are likewise tucked into the opposite end of the perforated tube, and secured in place by a plug similar to the plug already described respective open ends of the kraft paper tube 24' in the same manner as the hereinafter described The inner soclc28, which closely surrounds the plugs 3l, and with the respective ends of the sock A as the cylindrical portions 33 of the plugs 3| shown in Figs. l-5 inclusive.

The rings Sla, are relatively short cylindrical sections made of kraft paper open at both ends and provided with a central passageway 32, and the same and the ends of the tube 24 are coated with a glue or adhesive prior to assembly to complete cartridge form as previously described herein.

In thel type of filter cartridge shown in Figs. 6, 'I and 8 the top and bottom of the filter cartridge abut fiat plates P and consequently no seal is necessitated about the center tube. The filter assembly partially shown in Fig. 6 is held together by means of the coiled spring 23 in theA iilter cover in a manner somewhat as described with regard to Fig. 1.

In the modication of my invention as shown in Figs. 9 and 10, it will be seen that other than for the substitution of a two-part plug, indicated generally at 3|, for the integral one-piece plug in Figs. 1-5 inclusive, the invention is precisely as hereinbefore described.

The two-part wood plug consists of a cap-piece or section B anda cylindrical body. portion or section C. The cap-piece of the plug is counterbored as at 35' on its underside and has a central opening 35a therein. The cylindrical sec-tion thereof is provided vwith an opening 32 and tapered end 33a and a plane surfacedend 33h. A relatively thin felt, or scrap leather or other sealing washer 36a is of such dimensions and shape as to fit snugly in the counter-bore 35 of the plug cap-'piece` and is held firmly, securely and permanently in such position by means of a portion of the end 33h of the cylindrical section which is of such size and shape as to telescope into and fit, preferably force-fit into the counter-bore 3i', as clearly seen in Fig. 9. Prior to assembling the two-part plug the parts that are received within the counter-bore 35'- are coated with a non-critical glue or adhesive which is impervious to-oil and such parts of the plug including the can-piece and the washer and the cylindrical section are all adhesively secured together as a unit, and are handled and assembled with 'the filtering cartridge as such. K I These two-part plugs 3l are coated with an adhesive or glue the same 'as the integral plugs hereinbefore described regarding Fig. 1. It will be noted that the internal diameter of the opening 35a'in the plugcap-piece Bis just a little larger than the internal diameter of the central opening 36h in the felt or other sealing washer 36a. This construction permits use of a relatively thin sealing washer 36a, and such washer need not possess the strength as washers ordinarily used, such as the washers 36 shown in Figs. 1-5 inclusive. It is quite clear that only a very small portion of sealing Washer 36a is exposed to the hot oil under pressure and consequently it need not possess the thickness andA strength of a sealing washer such Vfor instance as the washer 36 kdescribed regarding Figs. l-5

inclusive. i

It is to be understood?y that while reference above has been made invsome instances to just one plug 3l, or paper ringifififa, the same applies to the plug or ring, as theca'se may-be. at the other end ofthe tube in that both plugs and rings and the tucking in of the ends of the socks at each end of the perforate tube 24 and tube 24' are identical.

Certain specific materials have been mentioned and such materials are at present non-critical. It

'held in thesai'd counterbore'.

rials, other non-critical'materials may be used,

forinstance, the center tube and 24" and the" plugs 3l and rings 3m may be made -ofV anysuitable flbrous material or plastic material. The metallic cap 31 referred to in connection with Figs. l to'fi might be totally dispensed with and the filter unit would function properly and eiliciently without thefsame.

In my application Serial No. '.439,902, filed 'April 2,1,"1942, there is amorecomplete dlsclosure with regard to the filter as a whole and particularly asv regards the modificationy shown in Fig. 5; A

` What is claimed is:

vl. In a filter replacement unitV consisting of a center tube, two spaced filter socks with filtering material therebetween, and hollow substantially cylindrical" anchoring plugs,.the` centertube hav- 1 ing open ends, one filtersock closely surrounding. the tube and having'its ends tuckedinto the respective open ends'ofthe. tube, the other.' filter sock surrounding both -thetube and the first mentioned filter sock'and enclosing between` it and the first-sock suitable filtering'material and also havingk its ends tucked into the respective ends ofA the tube, and thehollow plugsY forcibly positioned into the ends of the tube to thereby firmly and fixedly associate the two said socksand filter- .ing material therebetween with" the-said tube and resulting in a-unitary filter unit.` i .2. Inv a filter replacement unit as describedl in and by claim l-wherein the ends of the tube carry an adhesive coating as do the plugs, thereby sealing and fixing the plugs and the ends' of the socks'y in positior'i.'V ,v

3. Ina filter replacement unit as described in andv by'cla'im 1, wherein the tube iscomposedy of suitably treated and hardened paper.

`Y 4. In a filter replacement unit as'described in -and by claim 1, Vwherein the said plugs 'are of wood-andthe outer ends of the 'plugs Yare counterbored and a sealing washer is securely and flxedly 5. In 'a filter replacementunit as and by claim 1, wherein each plug carries a sealing washer at its en d anda. metal cap surrounds the end of each plug and extends over the washer toprotect and hold the sealing washer.

described in 1 is contemplated thatinlieu of the specified'mateyil) ' engagementwith the saldi washer-therein.

7. In a filter replacement unit as'described in andi by-claim 1., wherein the said plugs are of Vwood and consist of a cap portion and a-cy1in drical body portionrthe cap portion being counter-bored on its underside, a sealing .washer mountedin said counter-bore, and the said body portion having one end portion thereof fitted into and securely held in the said counter-bore in engagement with the saidr washer therein, by means of an adhesive applied in the counterbore and to the end of the portion of theplug -body inserted therein.

8. In a filter. replacement unit consistingfof-'a center tube, two spaced filter socks with filtering material therebetween, and hollow anchoring rings, the center tube havingv open ends, one .filter sock closely surrounding the tube and having its `ends tucked into the respective open endsof the tube, the other filtersock surrounding both the tube and the first mentioned filter sock and enclosing between it and the first mentioned sock suitable filtering material and also having its ends tucked into the ends of the tube, and they said rings forcibly positioned into the ends of the tube to thereby firmly and fixedlyassociate the two said socks and filtering-material therebetween with the said tube and resulting in a unitary filter unit.

9. In a, filter replacement unit as described in and by claim 8, wherein the ends of thetube vcarry an adhesive coating as do the rings, thereby sealing'and fixing the rings and-the ends lof the socks in position, A

10. In a filter replacement unit as described in and by claim 8, wherein'the tube is composed vof suitably treated and hardened paper.

11. In a filter replacement unit as described in and by claim 8, wherein the said rings are composed of suitably treated and hardened paper.

` JOI-DI. D. WICKS. 

